Bishop's appeal for flood victims

Caroline O'Connell said the water in this Tilehurst street was "waist-high"

The Bishop of Oxford has launched an appeal to help those affected by the floods across the Thames Valley.

The Rt Revd John Pritchard is asking people in Berkshire and Oxfordshire to donate money to help with the relief efforts in the aftermath of the floods.

Bishop John said the funds raised would help those people hardest hit, such as families with no household insurance.

"We have had offers of support and financial help from people across the country," he said.

"By setting up this fund we hope to be able to target these gifts to wherever the need is greatest," Bishop John added.

"I am aware that people need a lot of support to get their lives together again - we know, for example, that many families do not have household insurance, or they need to buy new white goods in a hurry.

Right Reverend John Pritchard has been visiting flood-hit areas

"I'm hoping that through this fund we will be able to help in a practical way as people begin to rebuild their lives."

People affected by the floods will be able to apply to the Diocese of Oxford Flood Appeal via the local clergy, whether or not they are regular churchgoers.

Bishop John is also encouraging people to give to the national Red Cross Flood Appeal, which was launched earlier this week.

Red Cross funds will help the most vulnerable people, including isolated elderly people, families on low incomes and people with disabilities.

Bishop John, who has been out visiting areas hit by the floods, said: "My deepest sympathy extends to everyone in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire who is caught up in these very difficult circumstances."